March 6, 2012

Re-Creation

I have begun the process of re-creating my holy texts, renewing my personal connection to the Source and waking up my inner child from her 26 year slumber. A little girl of three knows nothing of formal religion or social taboos. I want to comprehend again the intensity I see in those tiny eyes in the old photos. Before they were constricted by fear. I'm here to liberate myself like Moses and Jesus all over again. The most potent redemption is the one that arises from within, because it is the most authentic.

I've begun with a Chumash, a compilation of the five books of Moses. Every day I choose a word or phrase that speaks to me from the text. I choose that word-seed, and strip it of its surrounding connotations, its old wineskins. I plant the word-seed in a bed, a womb, of paint, where it can emanate it's presence freely, and inspire me to grow it into pure poetry, prayer and verse on the facing page.

I began this project about a week ago, and although this is a very personal and intimate process, I've decided to share it in hopes of encouraging more of the same. I think it's important that each of us take full responsibility for what's written in our holy texts. If you choose to keep them as they are, that is your prerogative. But I do not believe in justifying crimes against peace and acts of un-love, or the injustice of silencing another's perspective based on a book that you could re-write with your own two hands if you wanted to. It does not own you. You have the freedom to re-create it.